Frentzen Talking to Arrows but No Offer Made

Heinz-Harald Frentzen is talking to Arrows and has visited the Formula One team's factory but no offer has been made, the German driver's manager Monte Field says.

Frentzen is yet to secure a seat for 2002, and after Field virtually counted out Minardi, it appears Prost and Arrows are Frentzen's only hope to get onto the grid next year.

"We have spoken to Arrows and have visited the factory," said Field. "They had shown some interest earlier. But there have been no decisions and I don't think they are looking to replace anyone. They are not opening anything up to us."

Alain Prost recently said that Frentzen had given his struggling team full backing and claimed that the German driver was keen to remain a Prost driver for 2002.

"I still need to sign," Frentzen told Kolner Express. "First I must know what kind of package Prost gets next season like sponsors, engine and Chassis. I'm speaking to other teams but I prefer to stay at Prost."

Field admitted to concerns over the future of the France-based Prost squad, who are in dire financial straits, and said that although Frentzen has developed good ties with the team, he had to look for other options just in case they folded.

"There are ongoing discussions with Prost," said Field. "I very much hope they survive. We all should hope they survive. Obviously it has always been a concern that they will not pull through and they have to sort out their financial problems.

"But it is natural that there is a certain interest in staying and we are still talking. Heinz has driven with them and together they made some progress. It was a nice experience."

Frentzen joined Prost at the Hungarian Grand Prix, one race after his departure from Jordan, and there were rumours at the time that Frentzen was driving for free.

"I will not comment on that. We were looking to drive in 2002," said Field, who insisted Frentzen definitely wants a paid drive next season.